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Deputy Speaker and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) and its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Global Warming , Minimum Support Price (MSP) important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for May 29, 2025 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on May 29, 2025
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
The importance of the Deputy Speaker
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international significance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
The position of the Deputy Speaker has been lying vacant for the last six years raising questions on constitutional adherence and democratic resilience. The position goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to parliamentary democracy
Read about:
Deputy Speaker
Parliamentary Committees
Key takeaways:
Vacancy of Deputy Speaker: A Constitutional and Democratic Concern
- The post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has remained unfilled for over six years, raising serious concerns about constitutional compliance and the health of India’s parliamentary democracy.
- Far from being symbolic, this role is fundamental to the functioning of the legislature. The persistent vacancy necessitates a closer examination of key constitutional principles. India’s founding fathers chose the parliamentary form of governance to ensure meaningful representation of its citizens.
- This vision is undermined if institutional mechanisms do not operate effectively and seamlessly. Meaningful dialogue between the ruling party and the Opposition is essential for accountability and the preservation of democratic checks and balances.
- Allegations have surfaced that the present ruling party has deliberately withheld the Deputy Speaker’s position from the Opposition, contravening the spirit of power-sharing—an essential feature of any thriving parliamentary democracy.
- It's worth noting that constitutional conventions, though unwritten, often carry the force of law when statutory provisions are silent.
The Importance of the Deputy Speaker’s Role
- The Deputy Speaker is far more than just a backup for the Speaker; he or she ensures legislative continuity and presides over significant parliamentary activities, including debates, the scrutiny of private member’s bills, and the Budget Committee.
- The office is established under Article 93 of the Constitution, which employs the phrase “as soon as” in reference to electing both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker—indicating urgency, not discretion.
- Article 94 also underlines that the Deputy Speaker holds office until resignation, removal, or disqualification, reinforcing the role’s continuity.
- Traditionally, while the Speaker is chosen from the ruling party, the Deputy Speaker’s post is informally offered to the Opposition as a goodwill gesture, fostering cooperation between both sides of the aisle and facilitating smoother parliamentary functioning.
Implications of a Prolonged Vacancy
- No Deputy Speaker was appointed during the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024), and there seems to be little indication that this will change in the 18th Lok Sabha. The government and the Opposition’s inability to reach a consensus—likely due to the ruling party’s unwillingness to concede the position to the Opposition—is troubling.
- According to Rule 8 of the Lok Sabha's Rules of Procedure (1952), the Speaker is responsible for setting a date for the Deputy Speaker’s election, which is held through a formal motion. When presiding over the House, the Deputy Speaker holds the same powers as the Speaker.
- Furthermore, under Article 180, the Deputy Speaker assumes the Speaker’s responsibilities when the chair is vacant. Hence, the continued vacancy violates not only Articles 93, 94, and 180 of the Constitution but also disregards procedural rules.
Constitutional and Democratic Consequences
- Though Article 93 mandates the election of a Deputy Speaker “as soon as may be,” its lack of a defined timeframe has enabled potential misuse, leading to extended delays and undermining constitutional intent.
- Traditionally, this position has been held by an Opposition member, helping to balance power. Its current vacancy centralizes authority in the Speaker, who is often from the ruling party, thereby disrupting the intended democratic balance.
- Constitutional conventions are meant to uphold a healthy equilibrium between the government and the Opposition, ensuring robust debate and effective legislative functioning, in line with the Westminster model. In the event of the Speaker’s resignation or incapacity, the absence of a Deputy Speaker could trigger a constitutional crisis with serious implications for governance
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following statements regarding the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is/are correct?
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The Deputy Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves.
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As per the Constitution, the Deputy Speaker must belong to the Opposition party.
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In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker performs all the duties of the Speaker.
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The Constitution prescribes a fixed time frame for the election of the Deputy Speaker.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
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Answer (a)
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Overview of the POCSO Act and a Controversial Judicial Development
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, enacted in December 2012, criminalizes both penetrative and non-penetrative forms of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and child pornography.
- As a gender-neutral statute, it considers all individuals below 18 years as legally incapable of providing consent. The law mandates child-sensitive procedures, including the establishment of special courts, closed-door trials, and the use of video-recorded statements.
- With provisions for stringent punishment, a presumption of guilt against the accused, and time-bound trials, the Act was intended to address significant gaps in child protection legislation and ensure prompt, victim-centered justice.
The West Bengal Case
- In a case from rural West Bengal, a 13-year-old girl was reported missing by her mother in May 2018. She was later discovered to have been living with and married to a 25-year-old man, with whom she had a child.
- Despite her mother’s attempts to rescue her, the girl remained with the man. Following an FIR filed by her mother, a special court in September 2022 convicted the accused under various provisions of the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code—specifically Sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abduction to compel marriage), 376(2)(n) (repeated rape of the same woman), and 376(3) (rape of a girl under 16)—sentencing him to 20 years in prison.
Calcutta High Court's Intervention
- However, the Calcutta High Court overturned the conviction using its inherent authority under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This decision conflicted with POCSO's clear stance that sexual acts involving minors cannot be considered consensual.
- The High Court even suggested that consensual relationships involving adolescents should be excluded from POCSO’s scope.
- It delved into the topic of adolescent sexuality, attributing it to factors such as early puberty, changing diets, climate change, and increased exposure to social media and pornography.
- This line of reasoning, lacking empirical support, ignored broader societal and structural issues while reinforcing regressive gender roles.
Supreme Court’s Response
- On August 20, 2024, the Supreme Court, acting suo motu, nullified the High Court’s judgment. It reaffirmed that the POCSO Act does not validate consensual sexual relationships involving minors, and warned against diluting its core objective.
- The apex court also criticized the High Court for straying from legal analysis and engaging in speculative social commentary.
- Nevertheless, it postponed sentencing, seeking an expert report from a three-member panel that met the victim and assessed her situation.
Findings and Recommendations
- The expert committee reported that the girl now lives in poverty, in temporary housing, and remains emotionally attached to the accused. She faces intense societal and legal challenges in her efforts to secure his release.
- The report described the implementation of POCSO in this case as a systemic failure and recommended that, for the child’s well-being, the family unit should be preserved. It also called for coordinated support—legal, financial, and educational—for the victim.
- Quoting the report, the Supreme Court noted, “Society judged her, the legal system failed her, and her own family abandoned her.”
- Exercising its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Court withheld sentencing and directed the West Bengal government to ensure her rehabilitation and welfare.
Broader Implications
- This case highlights a dangerous departure from the principles of child protection enshrined in the POCSO Act.
- The Supreme Court emphasised that such deviations should not set a legal precedent, warning that they could undermine the law’s primary goal of safeguarding children from sexual abuse.
- Allowing exceptions in the name of family preservation may create loopholes for offenders to exploit vulnerable minors.
- The case also underscores the urgent need for age-appropriate sex education and a curriculum free of stigma and moral judgment
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Answer (A)
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was enacted to provide a robust legal framework for the protection of children (below 18 years) from sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and pornography. It is a gender-neutral law and incorporates child-friendly procedures to ensure the child’s safety during judicial proceedings. |
- The United Nations has cautioned that there is a 70% likelihood that global average temperatures from 2025 to 2029 will surpass the 1.5°C threshold set by international climate agreements.
- Following record-breaking heat in 2023 and 2024, global temperatures are projected to stay at historically high levels, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) — the UN’s weather and climate agency.
- This prediction was included in its annual climate assessment. The 2015 Paris Agreement established the goal of keeping global temperature rise well below 2°C, with a preferred limit of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (measured against the 1850–1900 baseline), when large-scale fossil fuel use had not yet begun.
- However, with carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) emissions still on the rise, many climate experts believe that limiting warming to 1.5°C may no longer be feasible.
- These latest climate projections, developed by the UK Met Office using data from various international forecasting institutions, estimate that average near-surface global temperatures between 2025 and 2029 will range from 1.2°C to 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Peter Thorne, head of the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units at Maynooth University, remarked that this projection aligns with the increasing likelihood of permanently exceeding the 1.5°C limit by the late 2020s or early 2030s. He further suggested that within a few years, the chance of crossing this threshold will likely reach 100% in five-year climate outlooks.
- According to the WMO, there is an 80% probability that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will surpass 2024, currently the hottest year on record.
- There is still no universally accepted method for measuring long-term global warming. Nonetheless, experts warn that even small temperature increases can amplify the occurrence and severity of heatwaves, heavy rainfall, droughts, and the melting of glaciers and polar ice
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Answer (D)
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) to mitigate global warming. The following are recognized geological formations suitable for carbon storage:
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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of 14 kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season, with an overall allocation of approximately ₹2.07 lakh crore. This hike aims to ensure fair and profitable returns for farmers on their produce.
Among the crops, nigerseed has received the largest MSP hike at ₹820 per quintal, followed by ragi with an increase of ₹596, cotton with ₹589, and sesamum with ₹579.
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The MSP for nigerseed, previously set at ₹8,717 per quintal in 2024–25, has now been raised to ₹9,537.
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For ragi, the MSP has gone up from ₹4,290 to ₹4,886 per quintal.
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In the case of cotton, the revised MSP is ₹7,710 for the medium staple variety (up from ₹7,121) and ₹8,110 for the long staple variety (up from ₹7,521).
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Sesamum’s MSP has been increased from ₹9,267 to ₹9,846 per quintal.
This revision aligns with the 2018–19 Union Budget commitment to set MSPs at a minimum of 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.
Expected profit margins for farmers, as per the government’s estimate, are highest for bajra (63%), followed by maize and tur (59% each) and urad (53%). For the remaining kharif crops, farmers can expect a 50% margin over the cost of production.
In line with its policy to promote nutri-cereals or "Shree Anna", the government continues to offer attractive MSPs to encourage their cultivation.
Between 2014–15 and 2024–25, the procurement of the 14 kharif crops reached 7,871 lakh tonnes, a significant increase compared to 4,679 lakh tonnes procured during 2004–05 to 2013–14
Follow Up Question
1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020)
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Answer (D)
⌠Incorrect.
Procurement at MSP is not unlimited. It is conducted by government agencies based on specified limits, state quotas, and depending on storage capacity, demand, and budgetary allocation. There are limits especially in case of pulses and oilseeds under schemes like Price Support Scheme (PSS). ⌠Incorrect.
MSP is a price guarantee given by the government to protect farmers against sharp fall in market prices. However, it does not mean market prices will never exceed MSP. In fact, market prices can rise above MSP due to supply shortages, high demand, or export opportunities |
In a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape our understanding of the immune system and pave the way for revolutionary new vaccines and drugs, scientists have characterised a previously less-understood immune cell with powerful regulatory functions.
They have found that immune cells called TR1 cells play a dominant role in mounting an immune response to malaria. The implications of the study, published in the journal Science Immunology on April 25, are far-reaching, potentially opening new pathways to conquer not only malaria but many other ‘difficult’ infections for which we currently lack effective vaccines
Read about:
Malaria
Measles
Key takeaways:
- In a significant scientific advancement, researchers have identified and characterized a previously less-understood immune cell with potent regulatory capabilities — a finding that could transform our understanding of immune responses and aid in developing novel vaccines and treatments.
- The study, published in Science Immunology on April 25, highlights the prominent role of TR1 cells — a subset of immune cells — in the body’s defense against malaria. This discovery has broad implications, offering new potential avenues for tackling not only malaria but also other challenging infections that currently lack effective immunization options.
- The immune system operates as a complex, multi-tiered network, employing various components with specific roles that must function in harmony to effectively counter infections without harming the body.
- When pathogens bypass the initial protective barriers such as the skin and mucosal surfaces, the immune response is activated — first through the non-specific innate immune system, which then signals the more specialized adaptive immunity.
- Adaptive immunity, apart from responding to threats, also archives antigen-specific data through memory cells. These cells can swiftly recognize and respond to repeat invaders, strengthening the body’s defenses over time.
- Adaptive immunity comprises two main branches: B cells drive the antibody-mediated (humoral) response, while T cells are central to the cell-mediated arm. The current study led by Jason Nideffer at Stanford University concentrated on a subset of T cells known as CD4+ helper cells, which play a vital role in mobilizing other immune cells like B cells and macrophages.
- The research, conducted in eastern Uganda — a region with continuous transmission of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), the malaria parasite — examined individuals, especially children, who experience recurrent malaria infections.
- Despite multiple annual infections, many children develop "clinical immunity" by the age of 10, meaning they no longer show symptoms despite being infected. The study suggests that Pf-specific helper T cells significantly contribute to this adaptive resilience.
- Traditionally, it was believed that CD4+ TH1 cells were primarily responsible for combating Pf infections. However, after sequencing over 500,000 single CD4+ T cells and analyzing their genetic markers, the researchers discovered that TR1 cells — although comprising just about 3% of resting CD4+ cells — represented nearly 90% of the Pf-specific helper cell population. This finding challenges the prevailing model of malaria immunity.
- Using advanced single-cell RNA and T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, the scientists tracked the proliferation and memory characteristics of different T-cell clones across various stages of malaria infection. This technique allowed them to observe how consistently these cells replicated and how well they remembered previous infections — insights captured through their "genetic barcodes."
- The analysis revealed that most CD4+ T-cell clonotypes strongly aligned with one of seven identified subsets. Notably, TR1 cells not only dominated the immune response post-malaria but also showed exceptional clonal fidelity and memory potential, even persisting for hundreds of days in the same individuals.
- This comprehensive investigation — made possible through in vivo single-cell genomic tools — underscores TR1 cells as a central player in long-term immunity against malaria in children, and it may reshape vaccine strategies for similar diseases in the future
(a) Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium
(b) Man does not develop immunity to malaria during natural infection
(c) Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria
(d) Man is only an intermediate host and not the definitive host
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Answer (a)
Developing a malaria vaccine is challenging due to several reasons, and one major hurdle is that malaria is caused by multiple species of the Plasmodium parasite, including Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale. Each species has a different life cycle, antigens, and pathogenesis, complicating vaccine design. Let’s analyze the options:
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Early arrival of the monsoon is usually welcomed, but it doesn’t always guarantee a plentiful rainy season. Conversely, if the monsoon arrives more than two weeks late, it almost always results in a shortfall.
Predicting the exact onset date of the monsoon remains a significant challenge eagerly awaited across the Indian subcontinent.
What determines the onset of the monsoon?
- Many theories attempt to explain the onset, but none provide a full consensus on the exact mechanisms. Even well-known phenomena like El Niño and La Niña do not reliably predict when the monsoon will begin.
- Scientists closely monitor the progression of the monsoon trough as it travels from the northwestern tropical Pacific through the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal towards Kerala. Yet, various factors still influence the trough’s movement, making its arrival unpredictable.
- Reports suggest that since the 1970s, the monsoon’s onset has been gradually delayed by a few days. Multiple studies indicate a possible climate regime shift during this period, but the precise causes remain unclear. If this change is simply a natural cycle occurring over decades, forecasting the onset will continue to be difficult.
- Global warming further complicates understanding and predicting these shifts. Even with an overall delay trend, some years still experience unusually early monsoon arrivals, such as in 2025.
Are early onsets in the past similar to today?
- The 2025 monsoon was the earliest in 16 years, with the previous early onset occurring on May 23, 2009. To understand these events, one can look at the conditions: 2008 was about 0.5°C warmer than pre-industrial times, and 2009 experienced a mild El Niño.
- Interestingly, the 2009 summer saw an unusual warming across the tropical Pacific, which contrasts with typical El Niño patterns. This anomaly raises the question of whether global warming is overlapping with El Niño effects, although other El Niño years have not shown this pattern.
- Despite the early onset in 2009, the monsoon season that year was marked by severe drought. Hopefully, the early start in 2025 will not lead to similar outcomes.
- In 2025, global temperatures have already risen over 1.2°C, following record warmth in 2023 and 2024, with a strong El Niño in 2023 and a weak La Niña in 2024.
- An unusual sea surface temperature pattern was observed in 2024, featuring warm anomalies on the far east and west of the tropical Pacific but cooler waters in the center. Although labeled as La Niña, this pattern’s implications require further study.
How does the monsoon reach Kerala?
- Several external influences affect the arrival of the monsoon trough in Kerala. An increase in late pre-monsoon cyclones has occasionally accelerated the trough’s movement, causing early monsoon onset.
- For instance, the 2025 early onset may have been influenced by a low-pressure system along the west coast pulling the trough northward. These late cyclones may be linked to Arctic warming or recent shifts in Arabian Sea winds.
- Additionally, typhoons in the Pacific can divert moisture from the Indian Ocean during onset, potentially delaying the monsoon. Given the natural variability of the onset and the complex interaction of local and remote factors, predicting the exact timing remains highly challenging. Even accurate onset predictions will be insufficient without forecasting the monsoon’s behavior throughout the season.
Will 2025 mirror 2009?
- In 2009, warm tropical conditions prevailed during summer, with a mild El Niño in winter that quickly transitioned to La Niña in 2010. Although these occurred post-onset, ocean heat and wind patterns offered clues to future developments. The evolution of tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures may influence the timing of onset.
- Currently, warm waters persist in the eastern and western Pacific, while central Pacific coolness is fading. Even if 2025’s summer behaves like 2009’s, it is too soon to conclude any direct link to early onset.
- Forecasts predict a neutral phase for El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole in 2025, differentiating it from 2009. However, some long-term climate indicators suggest a possible El Niño event this summer. Whether this will affect the early monsoon arrival remains to be seen.
How is rainfall distribution changing?
- In summary, no definitive cause explains this year’s early monsoon onset or those of other years. If the timing is part of natural variability, understanding how global warming influences this variability—both directly and through effects on cyclones, El Niño, and polar regions—is crucial.
- Even the monsoon’s withdrawal pattern is evolving, with the southwest and northeast monsoons merging in some areas. Rainfall during the season remains irregular, with floods and droughts occurring unpredictably.
- Despite ongoing research advancing knowledge about monsoon drivers, progress is gradual. We can only hope for earlier breakthroughs that lead to deeper understanding and better forecasts
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Answer (B)
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- According to official sources, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) held meetings with a scientific expert panel in April and May this year to define High Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) standards specifically for school meals.
- However, the authority has yet to finalize these HFSS guidelines or establish the ‘health-star rating system’ related to front-of-pack labelling rules. An official explained that during the discussions, they were unable to agree on a separate HFSS definition exclusively for school meals. It was concluded that the HFSS criteria for school meals should align with those for packaged foods, indicating the need for a comprehensive HFSS definition.
- Currently, FSSAI regulates nutritional claims made by brands; for example, a product can only claim to be low in sugar if it contains no more than five grams of sugar per 100 grams.
- Despite such regulations, the authority has not yet set specific consumption limits for fat, salt, or sugar tailored to the Indian population. Presently, India follows the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, which suggest limiting daily sugar intake to 25 grams (about six teaspoons) for both adults and children.
- Nonetheless, experts argue that India’s thresholds should be lower due to genetic factors that increase the risk of heart disease among Indians.
- They emphasize the necessity for epidemiological research across the country that tracks dietary patterns alongside health markers such as Body Mass Index, insulin resistance, lipid profiles, and other biochemical indicators.
- To help control sugar consumption among school children, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed over 24,000 schools nationwide to set up ‘sugar boards.’ These boards are intended to educate students about the dangers of excessive sugar intake
1.Which of the following statements about the regulation of High Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) content by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is/are correct?
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FSSAI has finalized a separate HFSS definition exclusively for school meals.
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Currently, India follows WHO guidelines for sugar intake due to the absence of indigenous cut-offs for HFSS consumption.
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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed schools to establish ‘sugar boards’ to educate students about the risks of excessive sugar intake.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (B)
Statement 1 is incorrect because FSSAI has not finalized a separate HFSS definition exclusively for school meals; it decided to have a unified HFSS definition applicable to both school meals and packaged foods.
Statement 2 is correct as India currently relies on WHO guidelines for sugar intake since specific cut-offs for the Indian population are yet to be established. Statement 3 is correct because the CBSE has directed schools to set up ‘sugar boards’ to raise awareness among students about excessive sugar consumption |